Flash Drive

2018 Toyota Camry

August 5, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Toyota Camry 4-Door XSE V6 Sedan

The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE is more aggressively styled with performance to match thanks to the strong V-6.

Engine:3.5-liter V-6, 301 horsepower, 267 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,950

As Tested: $38,230

Performance:

Excellent V-6 engine

Smooth and powerful

Notably aggressive in Sport mode

Seamless 8-speed automatic transmission

The rear 3/4 view is particularly handsome for the XSE edition.

Paddle shifters

3 drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport

OK fuel economy—our best was 26.5 mpg

Great head-up display

First class safety features

Body is 30% stiffer than previous Camry

Overall ride is still more comfort than racecar

Comfort:

Comfortable, supportive, leather-trimmed seats

3-temperature heated front seats

The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE interior is stylish, roomy, and comfortable with great legroom.

Excellent medium thick, mildly contoured, leather-wrapped wheel

Ample adjustment in tilt/telescopic column

Driver power lumbar support

NBA player front legroom

Large, soft headrests front and rear

Good headroom

Adequate rear seat legroom if fronts are up slightly

Super soft, wide rear armrest

Substantial rear seat floor hump

Stylish interior design; quality materials

Utility:

Excellent infotainment screen and sound system

Good steering wheel auxiliary controls

Large trunk

Split, folding rear seats with trunk releases

Large step-up from trunk floor to folded seatbacks (7-inches)

Rear seat room is fine as long as the front seats are moved up slightly.

Big, wide trunk opening

High (6.5-inch) lift-over

Medium size pass-through

LED interior lamps

Locking glovebox

Large console bin

WOW Factors:

Incredible front legroom

Strong performance in Sport mode

Excellent safety features

Sporty styling and overall attitude

Panoramic glass moonroof standard on XSE

The Camry XSE is at home both in town and out on country roads.

Whines:

High trunk lift-over (6.5-inches)

Big step between trunk floor and folded seats

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE with the excellent V-6 is much sportier than the old Camry stereotype. It’s still practical and a great value, but the 2018 Camry has been infused with personality. Front seat room and comfort are outstanding. The trunk is large and all the practical reasons so many people buy a Camry are still there. The 2018 Toyota Camry really is new and improved.